Integrative Medicine
Integrative Medicine to me means the blending of both medicines.
In 2010, I changed the name of the practice to Breakthrough Medicine Integrative & Longevity Center. Not all Naturopathic Doctors practice both medicines. Being a family practice doctor it is essential.
When I took over one of my teacher’s medical practices in Cottonwood in 2004, it became apparent my patients could not afford to have a doctor to provide naturopathic care and a doctor who could prescribe drugs if needed. Even though I had 200 hours of pharmacology in medical school to prescribe and have DEA privileges, I had to go back to school and then challenge the pharmacology boards exam. Nearly 20 years later looking back, this was the best decision. That decision to practice integrative medicine has saved many patients especially over COVID when herbs and vitamins were not enough.
In 2008, I lost everything literally because of contamination, massive septic flood at my practice. Dr. Patel of Cardiac Care heard what happened. We shared patients over the years. In an incredible act of caring, he took me in and let me practice in his credible complex which also housed Simon Med Imaging for a year. It was a great opportunity to learn. I learned so much over that year. Always look for your silver lining!
At Breakthrough Medicine, we believe that true health is a balance of mind, body, and spirit. Our approach to primary care goes beyond treating symptoms — we focus on the whole person to help you achieve lasting wellness and vitality. Whether you’re a new patient or returning to our care, we are committed to understanding your individual needs and guiding you toward optimal health.
Our integrative model combines the best of conventional medicine with cutting-edge, evidence-based practices like functional medicine, nutrition, mind-body therapies, and holistic treatments. Together, we create a personalized health plan that not only addresses your immediate concerns but also supports long-term well-being.
What We Offer:
Comprehensive Health Assessments: We take time to understand your unique health history, lifestyle, and goals, using advanced diagnostic tools to gain a deeper understanding of your needs.
Functional Medicine: We look at the root causes of your symptoms, identifying imbalances in your body and addressing them with targeted treatments, lifestyle changes, and nutritional support.
Nutrition & Customized Supplements: Your diet and supplementation plan are tailored to support your specific health needs, whether you’re looking to boost energy, manage weight, or improve chronic conditions.
Mind-Body Medicine: We incorporate practices like meditation, stress management, and behavioral therapies to enhance emotional well-being and support physical healing.
Homeopathy & Botanical Medicine: Gentle, natural remedies can support your body’s healing process without harsh side effects, promoting balance and wellness at the deepest levels.
Medications (When Necessary): While we prioritize natural, holistic approaches, we also recognize the value of medication when appropriate. We work with you to ensure any prescriptions are used judiciously and alongside other healing modalities.
Specialized Consultations:
Bio-identical Hormone Replacement
Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy offers a more “natural” alternative to traditional hormone replacement for people suffering from hormonal imbalances. It can greatly improve quality of life—but it should be carefully tailored to the individual and regularly monitored. Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a type of hormone therapy that uses hormones that are chemically identical to those the human body naturally produces. It is commonly used to treat symptoms of hormonal imbalance, especially in women going through menopause, but it’s also used for andropause in men and other hormone-related issues.
What Are Bio-identical Hormones?
Bio-identical hormones are derived from plant sources (like soy or yams) and are made to have the exact same chemical and molecular structure as hormones produced by the human body. Common hormones used in BHRT include:
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- DHEA & Pregnenolone
- Melatonin
They can be delivered through:
- Creams and gels
- Pills
- Patches
- Injections
- Pellets (implanted under the skin)
Potential Benefits of BHRT
For Women (commonly during menopause or perimenopause):
- Relief from hot flashes and night sweats
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduction in vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
- Increased energy and reduced fatigue
- Improved mood and decreased anxiety or depression
- Better memory and concentration (cognitive function)
- Enhanced libido (sex drive)
- Bone protection (may reduce osteoporosis risk)
For Men (often for age-related testosterone decline):
- Improved energy and stamina
- Enhanced libido and sexual performance
- Better muscle mass and strength
- Sharper cognitive function
- Improved mood and reduced irritability
Who Might Benefit?
BHRT may be helpful for:
- Women with severe menopause symptoms not relieved by lifestyle changes
- People with hormone deficiencies due to conditions like early menopause, hysterectomy, thyroid disorders, or adrenal fatigue
- Men with age-related testosterone decline
